Story and Art by Kuwata Noriko
Copyright © 1998, Kuwata Noriko

"Why do you read shoujo manga, isn't that girls stuff?" This is usually a common question when some native Japanese see the manga I read (there are also the "you read manga?!" questions as well.) The explanation is simple—these stories are usually funnier on the whole and deal a lot better with relationships than the majority of the shonen titles out there. At least the ones I read do. It all comes down to the author, and Kuwata Noriko is one author that I read voraciously whenever I find her work. Basically they are a pleasure to read, due to the unique situations, characters and the all-encompassing humor that is not too heavy-handed. Not too stressful, but enough to make you impatiently turn to the next page. The biggest problem with her works is that they seem to end all too quickly.
OTOKO NO HANAZONO ("BOYS' FLOWER GARDEN") is the most recent of her stories. It starts out simply enough—our protagonist, Asou Yukari, is celebrating Spring. Nothing can hold him back! He can finally begin working on his main pleasure in life, writing! However, unbeknownst to the happy and hapless Yukari, the members of the male gymnastics club are lamenting the lack of new students to induct into their club. Suddenly they notice Yukari trundling happily along, but they are not sure if they want the likes of him in their club ("Uwa.dame sou!" "Otaku dana?") As they are arguing over how desperate they are and who, if anyone, should approach Yukari, they witness an amazing feat. Yukari, oblivious to the world, suddenly hears from above "Look out below!" and immediately, unthinkingly, performs a reverse somersault landing in a crouch, avoiding the flowerpot that almost fell on him.
Suddenly aware of the commotion his little display caused, Yukari is caught off guard when someone pats him on the back and exclaims how amazing his maneuver was. It is Sagawara Yukino—a student in the same year as Yukari that he seems to have developed a crush on (he first saw her only a week ago.) Yukino is, of course, pretty much oblivious to Yukari's feelings. As he stands there dumbfounded by Yukino calling him "amazing," the male gymnastics club quickly surrounds him, declaring Yukari welcome in their club.
Yukari takes exception to being drawn into their club, and gives them all the cold shoulder. As he walks away, the members of the male gymnastics club resolve to get him despite Yukari's other plans. He wants to be a writer! Regardless of this, and partially because of it, Yukari is sucked into their club. Especially when he finds out that the club captain is Sagawara Nagisa—Yukino's older brother! If Yukari wants to talk to Yukino, then he has to join the club (the club members quickly pick up on his feelings for her.) That Yukino has joined the female gymnastics club is an additional motivation.
The story is chock full of silly little twists and turns. Poor Yukari is denied from seeking a more peaceful writer's life by both his natural ability and his newfound friends. However, this way he might actually become a better writer. He may also get to be around the girl of his dreams—if he can only steer clear of her friends and her brother!
The art is overall on par with Kuwata's previous works. The lines are fine, but less sketchy than in earlier stories. The characters have a fairly well-defined look to them, and the more humorous expressions are conveyed quite well to the reader.
Although the whole story is not out yet, I hope that it lasts at least four or five volumes so that we can get some decent character development in. One weakness with previous stories of Kuwata's is that as soon as the resolution is in sight, the story is ended.
So, for a quick and light read that is not too angst-ridden, and not laden with so many action sequences that it is hard to find the story, OTOKO NO HANAZONO is recommended—especially if you are a fan of Kuwata Noriko.

Published by Hana to Yume Comics
1 volume, ongoing
184 pages, b&w
Vol. 1: ISBN4-592-17041-5
¥410
Available now in Japan
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